Boynton Beach resident Nicklas Staub has enjoyed several big moments during his journey on the links. The 16-year-old standout golfer continued to shine on the course by recently winning for the first time on the Minor League Golf Tour.

Staub fired a five-under-par 65 and recorded seven birdies to win by two strokes at the Country Club of Coral Springs in December. He is the first amateur to win on the tour since 2018 and picked up the 30th tour victory by an amateur since 2004.

The left-handed golfer made a statement on the course after battling hip and back injuries throughout the 2019 season, which prevented him from participating in several tournaments and events.

“I felt I was at one of my lowest points of my career and did not know when I would get back to where I needed to be,” Staub said. “It’s an important win and a great feeling. I feel healthy again and I am playing well.”

Staub, who had won on the tour for the first time six events, also had a strong performance in November as he shot a 69 and recorded five birdies in Port St. Lucie. He finished in second place and fell by two strokes at the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club.

“It has been a great experience and a lot of fun,” Staub said. “I am going up against players who can put up really low scores and you have to be at the top of your game.”

The rising golfer has been one of South Florida’s top juniors nationally and had won his first American Junior Golf Association event at the Coca-Cola Junior Championship at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in Maine in 2017.

He recalled one of the most memorable shots of his career during the tournament.

He was locked in a tied score in the final round before using a wedge and hitting his third shot into the hole on the par-four 17th to take the lead and eventually earn the victory. He also had one of his best rounds as a junior golfer during his teenage years by recording the lowest score of his career with a 61 at Indian Spring Country Club.

Staub has improved his game by working with certified PGA professional instructor Steven Cox.

He has a membership to PGA National and has gained knowledge and developed his swing under the direction of Cox. He also is a golf member at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach and has trained with Kevin Hammer, a former top-ranked junior player, as well as Woody Greene, a longtime veteran and former top amateur player.

“I have been fortunate and able to learn a lot from great golfers and instructors,” Staub said.

He started picking up a club at age 2. He had a right-handed driver and hit the ball with the backside of the driver.

His parents had the realization he was left-handed for the first time. He grew up in Maryland and emerged on the scene during kids’ golf tour events and showed his ability while competing against children in older age divisions. At age 8, he won the United States Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina.

Staub, who relocated to Boynton Beach at age 6, is currently home-schooled and a sophomore in high school.

He has considered playing golf at the collegiate level in the upcoming years and noted he will have to determine if it’s the best path for him.

He has aspirations to play on the PGA Tour and is looking to reach the next level. He said his next goal is to earn an opportunity to qualify to play at the Honda Classic at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens.

“It has been a passion of mine since an early age and I really love the game,” Staub said. “I grew up playing and learning golf from my dad and my parents have been very supportive.”

Alex Kushel is a South Florida Community News correspondent.